Thursday, December 6, 2012

It's Thursday night and only the second weeknight I've spent in the studio this week. I have 11 days. Well, 10, really. To make 2 more paintings and complete everything else that is necessary for my first graduate school application. Deadline : December 17. Eeeek.

I've really given myself some liberty with this piece. The textures alone are a bit of a departure from my typical style. I can't even tell you how much fun I had painting this shirt.... Although, while abstracting can be more loose and "easy," it presents a whole new slew of formal challenges. I got to a point tonight where I am happy - nay - excited about it. Uh-huh.

Glare...oh how I loathe thee...

There's something about the light quality on the figure that I'm pleased with. Perhaps I'm getting better at this painting thing (or one would hope). This concludes piece #13!

I'm really loving this bit up close

Sam is a lovely lady whose portrait I started tonight. Her space was quickly decided upon as a specific bench on the shore of a her neighborhood lake. We went there together, and got plenty of reference photos, people watched, etc. Then, as we got back to her apartment, she nestled in between the couch cushions and said this was also her space. The effect this posture and environment had on Sam was immediate. She was at ease. It's a lot of pressure to have someone examining your every move and documenting it, which is why there's usually an element of discomfort in these portraits. It was clear that this space truly belongs to Sam.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Sunday - Today I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff Sorensen's glass works in person. He is one talented and hard working guy; seeing the size and variety of his pieces was truly inspiring. Also, after a much needed trip to Utrecht, I was able to size some canvases that have been patiently waiting for a coat or two.

More than one opinion was shared with me to STOP NOW on this face, and, luckily, I felt the same way. So I did very minimal correcting today and I promise, I oath, I swear on Dior that I will not touch it ever again. Now is the task of matching styles for his hands & legs, which I think I'm handling pretty well. I haven't felt this good about a piece in a long time.

I need to try to keep myself from making any changes to his face. I'm loving just how good the likeness is right now; the rough color blocks lend themselves well to the mood of this piece. So, hopefully, I will not touch it further!